Good morning, my name is Tiffany-Ann Taylor and I am the Vice President for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association, also known as RPA. The RPA is a longtime supporter of congestion pricing because we have long since recognized the regional benefits to everyone–. cleaner air; consistent, dedicated funding for public transit; and less congestion for those who choose to drive.

While we appreciate the Traffic Mobility Board’s (TMRB) recommendations, we continue to advocate for equalized tolling at all crossings into the Central Business District (CBD) to prevent toll shopping. We also advocate for a higher toll credit for those already paying a fee to cross into the CBD.

Congestion pricing is a critical program to support the growth and sustainability of the MTA system. It will fund important projects like the Interborough Express and the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway. It will fund important components like increased ADA accessibility at stations and upgrades to elevators that already exist. It will fund security features like cameras at stations and help protect the system against intense flooding that we have increasingly seen over time. And let’s not forget that congestion pricing will help the MTA bring electric buses and much needed upgrades to bus depots across the city.

As the program is implemented, we also advocate for data transparency so that the public can understand the details of the program and be equipped with this knowledge to better support future advocacy.

We at the RPA urge the MTA board to vote yes on the current TMRB proposal and keep the implementation of congestion pricing on track.

Thank you.